Thou and You
Thou and You - meaning Summary
Intimacy Flipped by Language
A brief lyric about how a small, accidental change in address—the formal "you" substituted by the intimate "thou"—triggers a sudden emotional shift. The speaker is overtaken by love and surprise, able to speak only polite praise while inwardly feeling deep devotion. The poem contrasts outer reserve with inner truth, showing how language and a single slip can expose vulnerability and transform perception of a beloved.
Read Complete AnalysesShe substituted, by a chance, For empty "you" -- the gentle "thou"; And all my happy dreams, at once, In loving heart again resound. In bliss and silence do I stay, Unable to maintain my role: "Oh, how sweet you are!" I say -- "How I love thee!" says my soul. Translated by Yevgeny Bonver Thou and you The empty you with heartfelt thou – That slip she made, so accidental – And all my happy dreams were now Bestirred by soul’s love fundamental. I faced her, by the moment caught; To hold her gaze I had not power: I said to her: “You’re precious flower!” But “How I love thee!” was my thought. Translated by Rupert Moreton
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